Former Choctaw Nation tribal councilwoman Charlotte Jackson forever remembered with statue on tribal capitol grounds.
First female statue erected for Nation “Honoring the Giver of Life”
By STEPHENIE OCHOA Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
DURANT, Ok – On Friday Aug. 29, in front of the Choctaw Nation capitol, Pat Jones and brother Kevin Jackson were asked to unveil a permanent statue in honor of their mother, former tribal councilwoman, Charlotte Jackson. The full-size statue sculpted by John Gooden is the first female statue in the garden at Tvshka Homma.
Charlotte Jackson was well known for her dedication to others and her tribe and often described as a selfless woman. The statue was a surprise to many members who showed up at the unveiling and after her children removed the covering there were many stories and fond memories shared about her work within communities.
Pat Jones and Kevin Jackson unveiling statue of mother Charlotte Jackson.
Daughter Jones said, “Both my brother and I always hear about how grateful people are for our mother to have been in their lives. She was so dedicated to helping others whether they were within the Choctaw Nation or not” she added, “we were blessed to have her as a mother mostly and so very honored that the Choctaw Nation wanted to honor her in this way.”
Charlotte was a member of the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council from 1991 to 2011. She was instrumental in the construction of several facilities in Stigler including the Choctaw Nation’s community center, health clinic, and Head Start.
The statue shows Charlotte with a young female child and her family says they believe the depiction of her was perfect in its visual effects as well as the intent to honor the spirit of women.
Chief Gary Batton led a round of applause to thank the women of the Choctaw Nation acknowledging them for their contributions as “the giver of life” and being the “core” of the family and the tribe. For additional information about the Choctaw Nation visit www.choctawnation.com